In a surprising twist during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, a third-party game stole the spotlight. Near the end of the showcase, FromSoftware unveiled their latest project, The Duskbloods, which strikingly echoes the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne. This new title, set to launch worldwide in 2026, will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
In The Duskbloods, players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a faction that transcends humanity through the power of special blood. The game promises a fierce melee where players vie to become the "First Blood." A press release from FromSoftware confirmed that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game, with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete against each other amidst a backdrop of blood, guns, and machinery. While reminiscent of Bloodborne, it also shares similarities with the anticipated Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a PvP component instead of just co-op PvE.
Though details are scarce beyond cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, the announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions among Bloodborne enthusiasts. One Reddit user exclaimed, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" while another speculated, "That game is 100% Bloodborne 2. I assume the name change is either because it's in a different setting, or because of Sony exclusivity."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
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Despite being a distinct game, The Duskbloods clearly resonates with fans as a spiritual successor to Bloodborne. While FromSoftware's other titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to various platforms—including a Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring slated for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, never making it to PC. This has left fans yearning for a port, sequel, or any related content for years.
One commenter humorously noted, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another pointed out the exclusivity, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement initially excited Bloodborne fans, but the realization that The Duskbloods leans toward a battle royale-style game rather than the expected single-player RPG from FromSoftware has tempered some enthusiasm. Discussions on forums reveal fans' mixed feelings about the game's multiplayer focus and Switch 2 exclusivity.
More information about The Duskbloods is forthcoming, with an interview featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki set to be posted on Nintendo's website on April 4. This interview is expected to clarify the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and whether it will satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.